Get matched with top pest control specialists in Halfway, OR

A rodent infestation often has a distinctive, unpleasant smell. The most common odor is a strong, musky scent, similar to stale ammonia, which comes from mouse urine. As the infestation grows, the smell can become more intense. You might also notice a foul, decomposing odor if mice or rats die inside the walls or hidden areas. This combination of smells is a clear sign of a rodent problem and should prompt immediate action to address the infestation.

Aside from a warm, cozy place to curl up, you might wonder what attracts mice to your home. Several items attract mice, including: Birdseed Pet food Water Cereal and whole grains Food scraps from the composting bin Open trash cans High-fat and high-sugar foods Unused cars—they make great homes for chilly mice Insulation in the attic Clutter Brush from your yard, including leaves, sticks, wood, and shrubs (so mice can make nests) Overgrown trees or bushes—mice love to leap from branches onto the roof Indoor nesting materials, including cloth, paper, tissues, and toilet paper Tiny cracks in the siding or foundation

Most spiders are harmless and are more interested in finding and eating insects than trying to bite you or your family members. Certain spiders in your home may be advantageous if you have an issue with insects. Most spiders are non-venomous and have small mouths, so even if they did bite you, it wouldn’t be enough to cause any harm.

However, some species of spiders can cause harm if you are a victim of their spider bite, including the black widow and brown recluse varieties. Both species’ venom is poisonous, and you should seek medical help if bitten.

Termites are generally more destructive than carpenter ants, which is why it’s important to get rid of termites as quickly as possible. Termites will swarm your home to relentlessly feast on its wood frame, sheetrock, insulation, and carpet down to the studs.

While carpenter ants work surprisingly efficiently, they can still take years to damage your home significantly. It can also take termites several years to fully compromise a home's structure. However, the right colony can take down a full house in about a year. Overall, termites are far more diligent when it comes to destroying structures.